This pack is amazing. I have been using it now since October, and it has not let me down in any way, and has even gone so far as to surprise me with it's features I did not even consider when getting the pack.

For one, its basically waterproof. I say basically because it's not a "dry bag" in the sense it can be submersed, but it will shed most moisture with ease. For example-- on an late fall climbing trip in the north cascades, we got rained out, POURING rain. Without any liner, or extra care all of my stuff was dry by the time we got back to the car. The water literally beads off this space age awesome fabric. This also comes in handy during Ice climbing season, or on any snow travel for that matter, as you can literally just throw the pack down into the snow and not worry about your stuff getting wet.

I transferred to this pack from the alchemist, and love every part of it. The straps are incredibly comfortable, and the pack carries closer to the body and a little slimmer than the alchemist did, which is a bonus when climbing alpine routes.

Overall, this pack delivers well more than you would think it would, even for the $499 Price tag, and has replaced 3 packs that were used for different conditions.